Pre Season Friendly
Phillips 66 Community Stadium
Saturday 14th July 2018

Brakes fought out a score draw with a young Derby County side on a sweltering afternoon at the Phillips 66 Community Stadium.

Paul Holleran was only able to name two of his summer acquisitions in his squad, striker Matt Stenson making his first appearance while goalkeeper Brad Caswell was an unused substitute.

The game started in a near 30 degree temperature with Brakes first to show as Kieran Dunbar raced into the box. County keeper Josh Barnes came out, doing enough to put the home midfielder off and his effort went the wrong side of the post.

Connor Gudger lobbed the ball towards the penalty area and Joe Bateman put it out for a corner before County’s Calum McDonald flung over an inswinging corner that was easily cleared. After a good build up County were unlucky when Alex Babos’ shot rebounded off the post to safety.

Following a good turn in the box, Chekaine Steele was brought down and referee Sarah Garratt pointed to the penalty spot. Stenson struck the ball hard and low to the keeper’s right and although he dived the correct way, there was too much pace on the shot to put Brakes ahead with 38 minutes played. On 45+1 minutes Derby forced another corner as Max Bird’s shot was diverted out for a corner.

Plenty of substitutions were made when the game re-started, Louie Sibley missed a chance shooting over the bar from close range as County pushed Leamington back towards their own area. Lee Buchanan crossed for Sibley who set up Babos who shot wide. Derby levelled on 66 minutes following a fine left wing move and
Morgan Whittaker shot across Tony Breeden finding the net just inside the far post.

Both sides attacked in turn but neither keeper had to make saves as both defences held firm and the game was largely played in midfield.

Leamington: 1, Tony Breeden; 2, Junior English (14 Joe Magunda); 3, Connor Gudger (17 Tom James); 4, Joe Clarke; 5 Jamie Hood; 6, James Mace; 7, Kieran Dunbar; 8, Callum Gittings; 9, Matt Stenson (16 Shay Nicholson); 10, Chekaine Steele (12 Ryan Harkin); 11, Ahmed Obeng (15 Taylor Morrison).

Sub not used: Brad Caswell.

Derby County: 1, Josh Barnes; 2, Sven Kavic; 3, Calum McDonald; 4, Max Bird; 5, Joe Bateman; 6, Max Hunt; 7, AJ Eyoma; 8, Jason Knight; 9, Charles Vernam; 10, Alex Babos; 11, Jayden Mitchell-Lawson. Substitutions made - Heinrich Rivas, keeper; Lee Buchanan; Louie Sibley; Kellan Gordon; Morgan Whittaker.

Attendance: 375

Referee: Sarah Garratt

Assistant Referees: Tom Palmer and Ken Cox.

Report by Paul Vanes